Luke 24:24 – “Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus describe how some of the other disciples, likely Peter and John, went to the tomb to investigate the women’s report. They confirm that the tomb was indeed empty, just as the women had said, but they did not find Jesus. This detail highlights the growing mystery surrounding the resurrection. The tomb is empty, the body is gone, and the disciples are unsure of what to believe.
At this point, the disciples are confused because, despite the evidence of the empty tomb and the testimony of angels, they still haven’t seen Jesus. Their lack of understanding shows that they were expecting physical evidence, such as seeing Jesus in person, before they could fully believe that He had risen.
Historical Context
In Jewish burial customs, tombs were often carved into rock and sealed with a large stone to prevent animals and thieves from disturbing the body. When the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty, it created a significant stir among Jesus’ followers. The fact that Peter and John personally verified that the tomb was empty would have been important in confirming that something miraculous had happened.
However, during this time, people generally believed that resurrection would only occur at the end of time, when God would raise the righteous. The idea that Jesus could rise ahead of this final resurrection was difficult for them to comprehend. Without seeing Jesus alive, the disciples were hesitant to believe in the full reality of the resurrection.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the tension between evidence and faith. The empty tomb and the women’s testimony provided plenty of evidence that Jesus had risen, but the disciples still struggled to believe without physically seeing Him. This shows that faith isn’t just about external evidence—it requires trust in God’s promises and the work He is doing, even when it isn’t fully visible.
Jesus had repeatedly told His disciples that He would rise on the third day (Luke 9:22), but their grief and confusion clouded their ability to remember and trust His words. This teaches that even believers can experience moments of doubt when circumstances seem uncertain. Faith requires trusting in what God has said, even when it isn’t immediately obvious.
Additionally, this verse emphasizes the importance of personal encounters with Christ. For the disciples, seeing the empty tomb wasn’t enough—they needed to encounter the risen Jesus. This points to the personal nature of faith, as each believer must have their own experience of trusting and knowing Christ.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s narrative carefully builds suspense, leading the reader toward the moment when Jesus will reveal Himself to the disciples. The repetition of the theme of “not seeing” creates tension, as the disciples’ doubt and confusion will soon be resolved when their eyes are opened (Luke 24:31).
The contrast between what the women saw (angels and the empty tomb) and what the male disciples experienced (only the empty tomb) highlights the different responses to the resurrection. The women believed and shared the news, while the others struggled to fully grasp what had happened. This sets the stage for Jesus’ patient and loving explanation of how the Scriptures pointed to His death and resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 20:3-9 – Peter and John ran to the tomb and found it empty, but they did not understand that Jesus had risen.
- Luke 24:1-6 – The women discovered the empty tomb and were told by angels that Jesus had risen.
- Mark 16:5-7 – The angel instructed the women to tell the disciples that Jesus had risen and would meet them in Galilee.
- Matthew 28:6-7 – The angel told the women that Jesus was no longer in the tomb and had risen, just as He had said.
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds Christians that faith isn’t about having all the answers or seeing everything clearly—it’s about trusting God even when things are uncertain. Just as the disciples initially struggled to believe without seeing Jesus, believers today may face moments of doubt. But faith involves trusting in God’s promises and relying on His Word, even when life feels confusing or uncertain.
It also highlights the importance of seeking personal encounters with Jesus. The disciples’ faith was strengthened when they met the risen Christ, and believers today are called to cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His patience with the disciples’ doubts. Despite their confusion and hesitation to believe, Jesus didn’t leave them in their uncertainty. He met them where they were and revealed Himself to them in a way they could understand. This reflects God’s compassionate nature—He walks with His people through their doubts and gently guides them toward faith.
God’s love is also evident in the way He provides evidence and assurance. He didn’t leave the tomb empty without explanation. He sent angels to announce the resurrection and later appeared to the disciples to confirm it. His love ensures that His people are never left without hope or guidance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly to the core of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb is evidence that Jesus conquered death and fulfilled His promise to rise on the third day. His resurrection is proof of His victory over sin and death and the assurance of eternal life for believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
The fact that the disciples didn’t see Jesus immediately highlights the importance of seeking Him and trusting His promises. Their encounter with the risen Christ later in the passage will transform their doubt into bold, life-changing faith. This serves as a reminder that Jesus is always present, even when we don’t see Him, and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the disciples struggled to believe the resurrection, even after seeing the empty tomb?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust God’s promises, even when you don’t see immediate results?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where God was working behind the scenes, even though you couldn’t see it at first?
- What role does seeking a personal relationship with Jesus play in strengthening your faith?
- How does the resurrection give you confidence in God’s ability to fulfill His promises, both now and in the future?